The MV Makouria, a 67-year-old state ferry stationed at Bartica, is showing clear signs of deterioration, raising serious concerns about passenger safety and the reliability of a critical trade route. Reports of water flowing across the vessel’s passenger deck and visible corrosion point to a vessel in urgent need of repair—conditions that place lives at risk.

A report by Theon Alleyne of La Caribeña News lays bare the situation at the heart of Guyana’s interior transport system. On August 7, 2026, images and information provided to the newsroom showed water pooling along seating areas inside the passenger section during heavy rainfall, while deck machinery displayed significant corrosion. Despite these conditions, the vessel remained alongside and did not depart.

The concerns are heightened in the aftermath of the MV Barima disaster, where another aging state ferry sank with significant loss of life, exposing systemic weaknesses in maintenance and oversight. The parallels are difficult to ignore.